Do you know what true happiness is?

I can only imagine that it’s right up there next to monster cookies and popcorn.

Combined.

Because doesn’t that just LOOK like true happiness?

It sure does to me.

Anyhoo.

It’s official. Audrey and I have moved down to North Carolina, and I am now only making dishes for myself and a toddler.  A toddler who would rather spend her time eating yogurt, cheese sticks, and bacon.

So, let’s just say I’m officially making food for just myself.

Including sweets.

Unless, you know, it involves chocolate.  Then that’s right up my little munchkin’s ally.  But everything else?  Yup. Devouring it myself.

And that poses a problem when it’s just me, and I don’t want to be stuck with 11 more cupcakes, 30 more cookies, or 18 more cups of moose munch-inspired popcorn.  As tempting as all of that may be.

And this monster cookie popcorn sure is tempting.

Inspired by a favorite cookie of mine – the monster cookie – which I first made a couple years ago when I was baking treats for a local farmer’s market.  They are filled with everything good: Oats. Peanut butter. Chocolate. M&Ms. making these suckers massive (hence the “monster” part). So, when I wanted to mix up my traditional chocolate and caramel covered popcorn, this seemed like a great idea.

And a great idea it was.

Especially because I made a small, and not a massive, batch of it.  Which could essentially feed four. Or two.  Or one overly indulgent person and their toddler.

You know. However you want to do it.

I just recommend doing it.

Small Batch Monster Cookie Popcorn

serves 2-4

• 2 tbsp. popcorn kernels
• 1 tbsp. + 1/4 tsp coconut oil, divided
• 1/4 c. mini marshmallows
• 4 oz. white chocolate
• 2 tbsp. peanut butter
• 2 tbsp. quick oats
• 2 tbsp. mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 c. M&Ms
• 1/4 c. cookie dough bites

In a saucepan, melt the 1 tbsp. of coconut oil.  Add in your popcorn kernels and wait for popcorn to begin to pop (this will seem like forever).  Remove popcorn from heat when popping begins to significantly slow down.  Pour popcorn into a bowl and remove any unpopped kernels.  Add marshmallows and stir to combine.

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the 1/4 tsp. coconut oil, white chocolate, and peanut butter.  Heat in 30 second increments until completely melted and smooth.  Add quick oats and stir to combine.  Pour chocolate peanut butter mixture over top of the popcorn and stir until popcorn is completely coated.

Add mini chocolate chips, M&M’s, and cookie dough bites.  Stir to combine.  Pour popcorn mixture onto a parchment lined baking dish, and refrigerate until set.

Enjoy!

 

 

Ugh, those cookie dough bites. I could eat an entire box right now.